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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2003)
Page 20 The INDEPENDENT, December 18, 2003 Additional $40-50,000 will be needed for more complex facility from page 8 building definitely increased costs, Alley responded to a question from board member Willis Meeuwsen. The original design called for a simple con- crete slab to be covered by mats. In order to use the build- ing for volleyball and basket- ball, different flooring, recessed lighting and higher trusses will be needed. Alley estimated the increased costs at approxi- mately $40-$50 thousand. McGlasson said that it would be proper to consider using funds available from the sale of Buxton School for this purpose, because that money had been set aside for capital projects to address future needs. The cur- rent facility is designed for 1500 students and serves a popula- tion of 1200. Even if further de- velopment by West Hills Devel- opment Corp. proceeds it would only produce an in- crease of about 70 students and will not occur for at least two years. McGlasson told the board that she and business manager Nancy Hall had con- sidered alternatives involving the use of general fund money to be paid back over several years or transferred when the ending fund balance exceeded 10 percent of the total budget, an indication of stable funding. However, McGlasson and Hall determined, that using part of the $119,000 currently avail- able (with a $375,000 balloon payment available on demand) was the best way to creatively solve a “primary existing need.” Alley told the board that the enormous donations of labor and materials have always been for the students’ benefit. He said that permits for the building had already been ex- tended, but that cost for com- pletion of the project would continue to increase the longer it is delayed. Several board members expressed concern whether the $45,000 Alley was requesting would be enough to finish the project. McGlasson responded that Alley had done a tremendous job of accounting for expenses and all of his pre- vious estimates had been right on target. Alley told the board that he was confident the build- ing could be completed for that amount. The discussion then moved on to questions about the cost of developing the multi-use fa- cility that appears to be need- ed. Alley and McGlasson told the board that, at this time, the cost estimate did not include amenities such as audience seating, wood flooring or a sound system. Board chair Doug Nordholm asked, and Al- ley confirmed, that the building could be completed much faster if some of the work could be contracted out to profes- sionals. The board tabled the discussion and asked that Alley confer with McGlasson, Foster and Smith and return next month with a definitive esti- mate. Board members later thanked Alley for his dedication and energy and said that they want the project to succeed while also ensuring that the public’s money is wisely spent. High Flyers Banks Elementary Principal Marty Voge told the board that 58 students had successfully completed the High Flyers Pro- gram during the first trimester. He said that enthusiasm for the program continues to grow and over 100 students have already signed up for the second trimester. Voge also told the board that, at this time two years ago, there were over 320 discipline referrals. This year there have been 59. Foster reported that district patron Casey Newman, an IBM employee, secured an opportu- nity for the district to acquire used equipment, which has re- sulted in the receipt of two full truck loads of office supplies and equipment, chairs, tables, etc. Foster thanked Newman, IBM, and the volunteers who helped move everything. The audit has been delayed for another month, McGlasson told the board, because the au- ditors have not been able to completely account for some grant funds. Hall had the fig- ures ready in June, McGlasson said, and would be meeting with the auditors again next week to ensure that the board receives a complete report. Art f or P eople w ith More T aste t han M oney! Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 2022 Main st., Forest Grove www.valleyart.org 503-357-3703 ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so take a few precautions to keep your holidays happy! • Check your Christmas lights for frayed or exposed wires, loose connections or broken sockets before you put them up. • Make sure your tree is securely anchored in a tree stand and kept well watered. • Don’t use indoor Christmas lights or extension cords outside. • Don’t overload circuits or have too many plugs in one socket. Don’t let that glow in the sky be your home. Play it safe with these pre- cautions. Remember, fire only needs a chance — don’t give it one. • Turn off and unplug all Christmas lights, indoors and out, before going to bed. • Keep matches well out of reach of children. • Use flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations. If they are not labeled flame-resistant, don’t buy them! • Be sure your smoke alarm is working properly. • Have a fire extinguisher in your home at all times. • Don’t place your tree near a fireplace or heater. • Makeshift ladders are the number one cause of injury during the holiday season. Be careful what you stand on. West Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc.
